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Mar 12, 2020

How long until I feel better? Need advice for post-surgery recovery

This topic is about someone who is recovering from emergency surgery due to a collapsed J-pouch, which had been causing significant health issues for years. The person is experiencing severe exhaustion, dehydration, and very low blood pressure, and is seeking advice on how to improve their recovery process.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Re-evaluate your medical team:
- It's important to have a competent medical team for a smooth recovery. Consider changing doctors if necessary and ask for a clear recovery plan or a second opinion.
- Be cautious with doctor-rating websites, as they may not always be reliable.

2. Monitor blood chemistry and hydration:
- Regular blood tests can help identify any deficiencies that might be causing weakness.
- If dehydration and low blood pressure persist, outpatient IV fluids might be needed. Discuss this with your doctor.

3. Use Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) correctly:
- While commercial ORS like Pedia-Lyte can help, you might need to adjust the recipe to suit your body's needs, especially if your colon is removed.
- Adding a pinch of salt to your water or meals can help increase sodium levels and support blood pressure.

4. Address nutrition and malabsorption:
- If you're struggling to maintain weight or have nutritional deficiencies, consider discussing Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) or other supplements with a dietitian.
- Understanding how much of your small intestine was removed can help tailor your absorption strategy.

5. Track urine color and volume:
- This is a simple way to monitor your hydration levels at home. Pay attention to any changes throughout the day.

6. Manage low blood pressure symptoms:
- Use a home blood pressure monitor to see if there's a connection between your fatigue and blood pressure readings.
- Gentle physical and mental activities might help raise your blood pressure and reduce fatigue.

7. Vary your fluid and beverage intake:
- Try different fluids throughout the day, such as coffee, milk, Gatorade made from powder, juices, V-8, and even an occasional beer, to get a mix of electrolytes and calories.

8. Set realistic expectations:
- Recovery can take months, especially in more severe cases, but improvement is possible.
- Focus on regaining your strength first, and deal with any healthcare system issues once you're more stable.
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